What are the quietest tires for the Ford Explorer?
The quietest options for a Ford Explorer are typically touring all-season tires such as Michelin Defender LTX M/S and Continental TrueContact Tour, with several other touring tires (Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II, Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus) offering similarly quiet rides. Exact quietness depends on size and road conditions.
What you’re asking about is how to pick tires that minimize cabin noise while still delivering reliable traction and wear for a family-friendly SUV used for highway cruising and daily driving. This guide reviews widely available, quiet-tire options that fit common Explorer sizes, and offers practical tips for choosing the right model based on climate and driving style.
Top quiet tire options for the Ford Explorer
Below are widely regarded quiet-tire options that fit typical Explorer sizes and emphasize a smooth, low-noise highway ride.
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S — Quiet, refined highway manners with long wear life; a popular choice for SUVs and light trucks.
- Continental TrueContact Tour — Comfort-oriented with solid wet traction and a notably quiet ride for daily driving.
- Continental CrossContact LX25 — Quiet and comfortable with dependable all-season performance on SUVs.
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady — All-season touring tire designed for weather versatility; tends to deliver a quiet, smooth ride on highways.
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II — Low rolling resistance and quiet operation, aimed at efficiency and comfort for SUVs.
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus — Known for a calm highway ride and long wear; a solid fit for Explorer daily use.
Because tire noise varies with size and vehicle dynamics, actual quietness will depend on your Explorer’s wheel size, load, inflation, alignment, and road conditions. Always confirm fitment and speed/load ratings for your specific trim before purchasing.
What makes a tire quiet
Quietness comes from tread pattern, tire construction, and how the tire interacts with the pavement. Touring all-season tires with optimized pitch lines, solid shoulder blocks, and reduced road-noise transmission tend to be the best performers for cabin quietness in SUVs like the Explorer.
Sizing and fitment considerations
Ford Explorer trims commonly use 18- to 20-inch wheels. Always verify the exact tire size stamped on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual before buying, since the quiet-tire models listed here cover multiple sizes with appropriate load and speed ratings.
In addition to quietness, consider climate and driving needs. For winter conditions, you may want dedicated winter tires; for mixed climates, all-season tires with good wet and snow traction are a better fit than summer-only tires.
Summary
The Ford Explorer can ride quietly with several touring all-season tires that balance low noise with reliable traction and wear. Leading options include Michelin Defender LTX M/S, Continental TrueContact Tour, Continental CrossContact LX25, Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II, and Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus. Always verify fitment for your trim, keep tires properly inflated, and rotate regularly to maintain quietness and performance.
